Pondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour

The Pondo-Pedal Mountain Bike tour is the perfect tour to cut your teeth on if you looking for a whetting of wild coast trail riding, and are a little short of leave, or looking for a stepping stone to the Lower Wild Coast MTB Adventure.

Starting out at the Wild Coast Casino (Port Edward), you’ll cycle to Mtentu Lodge. Spend a free day paddling up the gorgeous Mtentu estuary, swimming under forgotten falls in Mkambati Nature reserve or cycling through to Msikaba.

Depending on the time and tides, you can cycle a beach route one way, and an inland route the next - stopping at local villages for a cold quart or a plunge in one of the natural pools along the way.

  • Trip Duration2 - 3 Ride Days / 2 Nights
  • Daily DistancesRide Day 1: Casino – Mtentu Lodge via Beach route: 25 – 28km Ride Day 2 (opt): Mtentu - Msikaba/Grosvenor return: 35 - 40kmRide Day 3: Mtentu – WC Casino via Nyameni Waterfall: 38 – 43km
  • Trail Grading3 / 5 - Fitness. A moderate level of MTB fitness and good overall fitness is recommended. Whilst the daily distances may not seem high, anticipate a few steep climbs, slower-going sections, and portaging in parts.3 / 5 - Technicality. Some technical skills are useful to stay on your bike through soft sand and rutted paths.
  • Trail TerrainCoastal Mountain Bike Trail: beach riding (though there is also an option to do two inland routes), cattle and jeep tracks, some 4x4 gravel road sections. There are some steep, rocky or soft sand sections on which you may have to push or portage your bike, as well as a potential river crossing or two.
  • AccommodationRustic wood and thatch lodge on Mtentu estuary. 4 person chalets with communal showers, toilets and dining boma.
  • Logistic SupportFully Supported and Guided Mountain Bike TourLuggage transfer providedAll meals from dinner on arrival day to packed lunch on departure day* Opt NOT to have luggage support or a guide at a reduced fee
  • Group SizePreferred min of 4 riders – max 12 riders/group.
  • PricingFrom R4,500/pp on a grp of 6-8 persons for the 3 day/ 2 night package
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At a Glance

The tour consist of 3 cycle days, or 2 cycle days and a more ‘free/exploration day’ in-between. At Mtentu, you’ll have the opportunity to paddle and kloof to Swallowtail Falls - up the gorgeous Mtentu estuary, swim under forgotten falls in Mkambati Nature reserve, or just enjoy the pristine beach.

You’ll spend two nights at Mtentu lodge before cycling back to the Wild Coast casino via a different route. Depending on the time and tides, you'll cycle a beach route one way and an inland route the next - stopping at local villages for a cold quart or a plunge in one of the natural pools along the way.

If you an independent soul and wish to make it a more affordable getaway, there is also an option to self-guide and not have luggage support as the lodge does provide bedding, towels and meals.

  1. Day 1Arrival / Guided Cycle Day 1: Meet at Wild Coast Casino – Cycle in to Mtentu (38km or 25km routes)

    Leave vehicles in undercover parking at Wild Coast Casino (just beyond Port Edward) and start from here. Inland Cycle Route - approx 38km to Mtentu Lodge or approx 25km directly on the beach

    Overnight: Mtentu Lodge - 4-sleeper chalets (provide own packed lunch. Dinner at lodge)

  2. Day 2Hike/Bike/Paddle: Free day at Mtentu Lodge

    Take a paddle up the Mtentu estuary with an exciting kloof to Swallowtail Falls, or hike into Mkambati Nature Reserve and swim under forgotten falls, or cycle (self-guided) through Mkambati to Msikaba (15km one-way) or even Grosvenor.

    Overnight: Mtentu Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner provided)

  3. Day 3Guided Cycle Day 2: Mtentu back to Wild Coast Casino via alternative route (38 or 26km)

    If you did more beach riding on the way-in, you can chose a more inland route on the return - passing villages and waterfalls. (35-43km depending on route taken) - in discussion with guide and wind / tide permitting.

Exploring the Red Dunes

Near Xolobeni village on the ride through to Mtentu. These culturally significant dunes are one of the proposed mining sites being heavily objected to by the local community.

Rustic-style Wood and Thatch lodge on the stunning Mtentu estuary. All meals, bedding and bath towels provided, so you literally just need to bring your change of clothes.

Each chalet sleeps 4 persons (twin front room, and adult bunk bed in back room).

Communal showers & toilets. Central dining area and bar.

Mtentu LodgeThe cabins are connected to one another by wooden boardwalk
  1. Is it possible to self-guide but have vehicle back-up support?

    Yes, certainly. If you stick to the beach route in and out, it is quite easy to self-guide, and we still just provide the luggage transfer through to the lodge. However, if you wish to discover the hidden falls and local villages, we recommend taking a local guide.

  2. How good a mountain-biker do you need to be, to do this tour?

    This is the perfect whetting for a Wild Coast MTB trail. If you time your trip over a full or new moon period with a spring low in the morning, the long beach stretches through to the lodge should make for pretty easy riding.

  3. Can we hire bikes?

    Afraid not. The sand and salt also takes its toll on your steed, so if you have the luxury of a ‘B’ bike…but still in good working order, bring the ‘B’ bike. You can also chose to do the inland route in and out if you don’t want to take your fancy bike on the beach.

  4. It is possible to make this trip shorter?

    It can be a weekend 2 day / 1 night trip by not having the ‘extra’ day at Mtentu if you pressed for time.

  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour
  • Wild CoastPondo-Pedal Mountain Bike Tour

3 Day / 2 Night Package/ 2 Guided Ride Days

Price to be custom quoted, but from R4500/pp based on a group of 6+ persons

Whats included in this tour
  • 2 Nights Mtentu Lodge (sharing basis): 4-sleeper chalets – costed to occupy at full capacity on your group size
  • All meals: from dinner on arrival night to packed lunch for departure day (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches)
  • 2 Guided Ride days
  • Free day at Mtentu for hiking, snorkelling, swimming, paddling up the estuary
  • 4x4 Luggage Transfers to/back from lodge to Wild Coast Casino
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